From the scrum five Popham appeared to control the ball perfectly at his feet, but referee George Clancy ruled that it had come out, allowing Glasgow to steal possession.

Popham reacted with an angry gesture and comment aimed at Clancy, leading to a sending off for a second yellow-card offence, a decision that could affect his hopes of touring with Wales to Argentina next month.

The under-strength Scarlets bravely came back at Glasgow, but the Scots had enough to hold on and end a six-game Celtic League losing streak.

Borders' loss at Ulster means that Scotland's second and final Heineken Cup qualifiers will be decided on a tense final weekend of action.

Glasgow man-of-the-match Dan Parks:"It's been a while since we've won, we'll enjoy this.

"Our appetite has always been there - we've come close without finishing things off so it was nice to close it out tonight.

"It's been a frustrating season, but there's one more game to go and we hope to finish with two wins."

Scarlets team manager Anthony Buchanan:"We welt we created enough chances to win so - although we're chuffed to be in the Heineken Cup - we're very disappointed.

"Popham's red card was also a big disappointment. He showed his frustration and we'll listen to what he has to say about the incident.

"It was a technical red card, so I don't think his chances of touring Argentina will be affected."